I grew up listening to The Beach Boys. My mom used to spin their records in our upstairs living room while I pretended that our carpet was an ocean upon which to surf. In second grade, my homeroom teacher played The Beach Boys' music on his computer (call it classroom background music, if you will). I must also mention that my eyes were glued to the television set during those "Full House" episodes in which The Beach Boys made guest appearances. Loved 'em. I took my mom to see The Beach Boys when they performed in Pittsburgh during their 50th Reunion Tour. It was an unforgettable show; I remember thinking how great they sounded after all those years, and how grateful I was to hear them play one of my favorite Beach Boys songs: Sloop John B (listen below!).

When I got word that The Beach Boys were playing in my hometown, I wrote a preview article for my local newspaper (for those of you who don't know, I work as a freelance writer/correspondent). This was followed by an opportunity to INTERVIEW Mike Love for that same newspaper; our phone conversation at the beginning of March is something I'll never forget.

Same goes for last night. My mom and I not only got to attend the show, but also go backstage and meet the band beforehand. It was an incredible experience; everyone was so kind to us, and I think I did a decent job when it came to keeping my composure (I mean, it's not everyday that you meet famous musicians who have traveled the world, sold millions of albums, and basically made music history). So, without further ado, here is my photo with the one and only Mike Love:

I told him that he had such fancy, fancy shoes. (You can see how much ours contrast, haha.)Anyway, their performance last night at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena was a great one; the place was SOLD OUT and, of course, you can't imagine how happy I was when they played Sloop John B! :)